Powwow shares Native American culture

Cal Poly Pomona honored Native American families and veterans over the weekend with the annual CPP Powwow that hosted more then 250 guests.

The Powwow offered vendors, informational booths, food and traditional dances that expressed the ways of the Native American people.

From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. the day was composed of Cahuilla Bird Singers, Tribal Dancers, Cake Walks, Apache Boy Singers and even a special appearance from Cal Poly Pomona’s President, Soraya M. Coley.

“I am so pleased that they decided to come and share their traditions with all of us so we can learn and continue to appreciate one another,” said President Coley as she enjoyed watching the traditional dancers. “I get a sense of respect for the elders, I get a sense of respect for tradition, and I get a sense of affirmation of the history and how they expressed themselves.”

The Inter-Student Tribal Leadership Council presented the powwow with the purpose to share traditions that have been passed down through generations.

The Native American people focus on being spiritually connected to every being and they show it through bird songs, traditional dances and gourd dances.

A member of the Navajo Tribe, Katianna Warren, 18, has been dancing since childhood.She gave a beautiful portrayal of her dance called “Fancy Shawl”. Warren explains, “I like dancing this style because the story behind it is a young woman coming into a butterfly”.

Warren was not the only dancer there as the arena was shared with many dancers from different tribes.

It ranged from elders to young girls where everyone there could feel the passion these Native Americans had for their culture.

“Powwows are a way for Native Americans to come together and celebrate our culture and our way of life”, says Warrren.

All tribes come together, but no matter who you are or where you come from experiencing different cultures is something everyone should do, and you can start by taking a look at your next local Native American powwow.

Taylor Story / The Poly Post

The annual powwow features traditional dancers along with Native American arts and crafts